One of the coolest things about the SXSW interactive, film, and music festival is that the public, like you and me, have a say in what sessions make it into the official schedule. But to do that, you need to vote!

The SXSW PanelPicker is now open for 2018, and ESI Design has two sessions in the mix for your consideration. We’d appreciate your help getting these panels chosen. Please vote for the one that excites you the most, and spread the word via social media.

Please be sure you’re signed in to the SXSW system (or create an account) to easily vote and thumbs-up a session. Voting ends this Friday, August 25, 2017.

Why eBay Created a New ‘Front Door’ for Their HQ

Technology is the lifeblood of eBay, but you couldn’t tell that when you visited their former global HQ. See how the tech giant created a new hub on their campus to transform their brand messages into interactive shared experiences, and turn their data into stories that capture the pulse of their business. The building is a flexible corporate communications tool, a place for collaborative work, and a huge draw for new talent, inspiring innovation company-wide.

Speaking is Lars Kongshem (Director Corporate Digital Experience at eBay), Emily Webster (Senior Designer & AV Technologist at ESI Design) and Ed Purver (Senior Designer Creative Technology at ESI Design)

Learn:

1. Why do modern office environments need to be dynamic and flexible
2. What does a technology-first design look like for a corporate campus
3. What kind of data-driven stories can you be telling about your brand, and how can I better use my workplace as an engaging communications tool

>> Vote here

The Anti-VR: Why IRL group games are the future

While most games are played between a single person and a screen, IRL (“in real life”) experiences where large groups can play games together are becoming increasingly popular. Think Pokemon Go, eSports, and Color Runs. Discover how organizations from museums to malls are weaving the digital and physical together to create new ways for large groups to play – from The Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston where you can LARP (“live action role play”) as a U.S. Senator to the Circus Circus Hotel in Vegas where 30 people play video games on a movie theater–size screen.

Learn:

1. What is the future of gaming
2. How are video games shaping real-word games and play
3. How do you decide if, and even what, type of IRL group game is the right experience for your venue, organization, or institution

Speaking is Pete Vigeant (Director of Development at ESC Games) and Edwin Schlossberg (founder and principal designer of ESI Design).

>> Vote here

Let us know in the comments which talk resonates mostly with you, and don’t forget to vote! #ESIDesignSXSW